Why Don’t Consumers Have More Access To Supported Employment?

Accessing supported employment services can be a challenge for consumers with serious mental illness (SMI). Only about 2.1% of consumers with SMI who received mental health services through their state mental health agency had access to supported employment (SE) in 2016—with accessing ranging across states from nearly 28% in Vermont to 0% in 11 states (see 2% Of People With SMI Receiving Public Mental Health Services Receive Supported Employment Services).

There are two primary funding streams for supported employment. The Department of Education's Vocational Rehabilitation Program, which provides funding to state vocational rehabilitation agencies for supported employment . . .